How to connect Wi-Fi Direct to a Sony Bravia TV: A step-by-step guide with photos

Introduction: Why Use Wi-Fi Direct on a Sony Bravia TV

Technology Wi-Fi Direct Allows you to transfer files between devices without a router—directly, like via Bluetooth, but at Wi-Fi speed. On TVs Sony Bravia (series X80J, X90J, A80K and newer) this feature opens up the possibility to:

• Wireless mirroring of your smartphone screen (screen mirroring) without lags;

• View photos/videos from your phone on a big screen without cables;

• Connecting game controllers or keyboards (on supported models).

However, many users encounter problems: the TV doesn't detect the device, the connection drops, or it requires a password that isn't included in the instructions. In this article— Current connection methods for firmware versions 2023–2026., including workarounds for common errors.

⚠️ Attention: On TVs Sony Bravia 2015–2017 (series W800C, X850C) Wi-Fi Direct may be absent or work only with proprietary software Sony Media GoCheck if the function is available in the menu. Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.

Step 1: Check device compatibility

Before attempting to connect, please make sure your TV and gadget support it. Wi-Fi DirectHere are the key requirements:

• 📺 TV: Models Sony Bravia with Android TV (2016–2026), except for budget series without a Wi-Fi module (for example, KD-43X7052). There should be a note on the box or in the menu. Wi-Fi Direct or Screen Mirroring.
• 📱 Smartphone: Android 5.0+ (with Miracast support) or iPhone/iPad with iOS 12+ (only for Screen Mirroring, Wi-Fi Direct on iOS does not work directly).
• 💻 Laptop/PC: Windows 10/11 with a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Wi-Fi Direct (checked in Device Manager).

🔍 How to check support on TV? Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi DirectIf there is no such item, your model uses alternative protocols (for example, Google Cast).

⚠️ Attention: If your TV Sony Bravia released before 2016, Wi-Fi Direct can only work with the proprietary app Sony TV SideView (Deprecated 2022) An alternative is to use Chromecast or HDMI cable.

Step 2: Enable Wi-Fi Direct on your Sony Bravia TV

The instructions are valid for TVs on Android TV (series X800G, X950H, A90J and newer). On older models, the path may differ.

1. Take the remote control and press the button Home (house).
2. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Select Turn on (or Start searching for devices).
4. Write it down or remember it network name (For example, DIRECT-BRAVIA-XR65X90J) And password (if required). On some models, the password is generated automatically and displayed on the screen.

📌 Important: If the item Wi-Fi Direct missing, please update your TV firmware (Settings → Support → Software Update). On 2020–2021 models, an option may appear after the update. Screen Mirroring instead of Wi-Fi Direct.

Enable Wi-Fi Direct in the settings | Write down the network name and password | Update the firmware (if the function is not available) | Restart the TV (if there are connection errors) -->

Step 3: Connecting from an Android smartphone

On Android devices (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel, etc.), the connection is made via the function Screen Mirroring or Wi-Fi DirectLet's consider both options.

Method 1: Screen Mirroring (recommended)

1. Open Settings → Connections → Screen Mirroring (on Xiaomi: Screen → Wireless Display).
2. From the list of available devices, select the name of your TV (for example, DIRECT-BRAVIA-XR55A80J).
3. Confirm the connection on your TV (you may need to enter a PIN from the TV screen).

Method 2: Direct connection via Wi-Fi Direct

1. In your smartphone's Wi-Fi settings, find the network with the TV's name (for example, DIRECT-BRAVIA-...).
2. Connect to it using the password from the TV screen.
3. Launch a file transfer application (eg. File Commander or Sony Video & TV SideView).

⚠️ Attention: On smartphones Samsung (One UI 5.0+) After connecting via Wi-Fi Direct, mobile data may be lost. To restore 4G/LTE, disable Wi-Fi Direct or enable the mode. Smart Wi-Fi in the settings.

Step 4: Connect from iPhone or iPad

On devices Apple technology Wi-Fi Direct not supported - protocol used instead AirPlay (or Screen Mirroring via Miracast on some models). For Sony Bravia There are two options available:

Option 1: Via built-in AirPlay (2019 and newer models)

1. Make sure your TV and iPhone are connected. one Wi-Fi network.
2. On iPhone, open Control center (swipe down from the top right corner).
3. Click Screen mirroring and choose yours Sony Bravia from the list.
4. Enter the PIN code that appears on the TV screen.

Option 2: Via the Sony Video & TV SideView app

If your TV is older than 2019:

1. Download the app Sony Video & TV SideView from the App Store.
2. Connect your iPhone and TV to the same Wi-Fi network.
3. In the application, select Connect to TV and follow the instructions.

🔴 Limitation: On iPhone, you can't transfer files directly via Wi-Fi Direct - you can only mirror your screen or control your TV via an app.

Step 5: Connect from a laptop or PC (Windows 10/11)

To connect a computer to Sony Bravia via Wi-Fi Direct you will need:

• 🖥️ A laptop with a Wi-Fi adapter that supports Miracast (checked by the command dxdiag in a line Miracast).
• 🔄 Updated drivers for the network card (download from the manufacturer's website, for example, Intel or Qualcomm).

Instructions:

1. Turn on the TV Wi-Fi Direct (cm. Step 2).
2. On PC, click Win + K (or go to Settings → System → Display → Connect to a wireless display).
3. Choose yours Sony Bravia from the list.
4. Confirm the connection on your TV (a PIN may be required).

⚠️ Attention: On PCs with discrete Wi-Fi adapters (e.g. TP-Link TL-WN823NMiracast may not work. In this case, use alternatives:

• 🔌 HDMI cable (the most stable option for video streaming).
• 📶 Chromecast or Google TV (if the TV supports Google Cast).

What to do if the PC does not see the TV?

1. Update your Wi-Fi adapter driver via device Manager.

2. Check for Miracast support: enter in the command line netsh wlan show drivers and find the line Wireless Display Supported — it should be Yes.

3. Disable your VPN or firewall (they may be blocking the connection).

4. Reboot your router – sometimes Wi-Fi channels conflict.

Step 6: Transfer files and control your TV

Once successfully connected via Wi-Fi Direct, you can:

1. Transfer photos/videos

• 📷 From Android: Use apps File Commander, Send Files to TV or built-in Send in the gallery (select Wi-Fi Direct as a goal).
• 🖥️ From PC: IN Conductor select files → Send → Wi-Fi Direct Device (if the driver supports WFD).

2. Control the TV

Download the official app Sony TV Remote (Android/iOS) or Google TV (for Android TV 10+ models). Using Wi-Fi Direct, you can:

• 🎮 Use your smartphone as a remote control (including voice input).
• 🔍 Enter text using your phone's keyboard (convenient for YouTube or a browser).
• 📺 Change channels and settings without a physical remote control.

📌 Important: File transfer speeds via Wi-Fi Direct are lower than via cable (maximum ~300 Mbps versus 1–2 Gbps via HDMI 2.0). For 4K/60fps video, it is recommended to use LAN cable or USB 3.0.

Common errors and their solutions

If the connection fails, please check these points:

🔧 Additional tips:

• 🔄 If nothing helps, reset the network settings on your TV: Settings → Network → Reset network settings.
• 📡 On models Sony Bravia OLED (series A8, A9) Manually specifying the Wi-Fi channel may help: select 5 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz in the router settings.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Sony Bravia

My 2018 Sony Bravia TV isn't detecting Wi-Fi Direct. What should I do?

On 2017-2018 models (e.g. XF90, XF85) Wi-Fi Direct may be hidden. Try:

1. Update firmware via Settings → Support → Software Update.
2. Use Google Cast instead of Wi-Fi Direct (if the TV is on Android TV).
3. Connect via Sony TV SideView (the app is outdated, but may work).

If nothing helps, check the specifications of your model on the website Sony — Wi-Fi Direct may not be supported by hardware.

Is it possible to play games from your phone to your TV via Wi-Fi Direct?

Technically yes, but with some caveats:

• 🎮 Android: Games with output to an external screen are supported (for example, Call of Duty Mobile, Genshin Impact). The delay (lag) is ~30–50 ms.
• 📱 iPhone: Only via AirPlay, but many games block the output (for example, PUBG Mobile).
• 🖥️ PC: For streaming games (for example, via Steam Link) it is better to use LAN cable — Wi-Fi Direct causes delays.

💡 Advice: For gaming, it is optimal to connect a controller DualSense or Xbox Wireless directly to the TV via Bluetooth (if the model supports it).

How to reset Wi-Fi Direct settings on Sony Bravia?

If the connection is unstable or requires a non-existent password:

1. Go to Settings → Network → Wi-Fi Direct.
2. Select Remove all devices or Reset network settings.
3. Confirm the action and restart the TV.

⚠️ After the reset, all saved Wi-Fi networks will also be deleted - prepare passwords in advance.

Can I watch Netflix or YouTube using Wi-Fi Direct?

Yes, but there are some nuances:

• 🎬 Netflix/YouTube: At Screen Mirroring the smartphone screen will be duplicated, but the quality will only be enough for 720p (due to Wi-Fi Direct limitations).
• 📺 Best option: Install applications Netflix And YouTube directly to the TV via Google Play Store (if the model is on Android TV).

📌 Note: Some services (eg. Disney+) block output via Screen Mirroring due to content protection (DRM).

Does the 2026 Sony Bravia support Wi-Fi 6E and does it affect Wi-Fi Direct?

2026 models (eg X95L, A95L) support Wi-Fi 6E (6 GHz), but Wi-Fi Direct still operates on frequencies 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz. It means:

• ⚡ File transfer speed will not increase (maximum ~300 Mbps).
• 🔄 The connection may become more stable due to less interference on the 5 GHz band.
• 🔒 To fully utilize Wi-Fi 6E, you need a router that supports 6 GHz (Wi-Fi Direct is not supported).